Roland Boutique SH-01A

SH-101 in boutique format with polyphony (4 voices) and preset storage

Thoughts?

Roland SH-01A Blue Synthesizer
The SH-01 is an accurate replica of the legendary Roland SH-101, one of the most popular synthesizer classics of all time. Our Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology reproduces the unique sounds of the SH-101 by accurately reproducing the original analog circuitry To the finest details and unusual sonic characteristics, which has given the synthesizer a special place in the heart of musicians and producers for decades. Roland’s SH-01A delivers the great sound and creative balance of the original Roland boutique format, featuring exciting new polyphonic capabilities, inspiring new performance features, and a true-to-life authenticity.
ACB technology offers sounds from the SH-101 synthesizer classic, including bass, lead, noise and sound effects
New unison, chord and four-voice polyphony modes extend the original sound palette
Internal sequencer with 64 available patterns for storing and retrieving
Easy-to-use arpeggiator with three playback modes, note hold and three-way transpose switch
CV / Gate output to control modular or vintage synthesizer
Multiple synchronization options including internal and external MIDI, USB MIDI, LFO Clock and Trigger input
64 rewritable preset patches for enhanced performance
Selectable, advanced LFO with new waveforms and extended clock rates
Send and receive MIDI control change messages via standard MIDI or USB
High quality construction with front panel made of metal
Easy transport for mobile music
Battery powered (4x AA) or USB powered
Compatible with the K25m Keyboard Unit and additional, optional Roland Boutique accessories

I’m interested in an updated sh-101 in the se-02 form factor. But it’s going to be just like the rest of the boutique collection, which isn’t bad, just not quite what I was hoping for.

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If the price is right, I’m a sucker for the 101 sound.

The plug-out 101 was good enough.
Loved the Atlantis but prefer patch storage.
I wish it had CV inputs like the original and the ACB System-1M, but you can’t have it all.

Good to see them add some new things to the 101 sound, like unison and the faster LFO rates.

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Boring. We’ve seen enough clones already

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More are coming. Tomorrow is 8/08

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A missed opportunity IMO, surely the 101 is legendary enough to deserve the SE-02 treatment?

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No that would take time and some thinking.
Roland don’t seem to operate like that now
Much easier for Roland to repackage their plugin into a small box and sell to the masses

Yeah the 101 is undoubtedly a nice sound but I don’t really feel like rewarding Roland for a lack of innovation.

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I have very little interest in the Boutique version of the SH-101 if it doesn’t have an advanced sequencer similar to the one on the 303 boutique or the SE-02. If it were analog, it would be far more appealing. If I was looking for another little mono, my attention would definitely turn to the Malekko Manther & BBF first.

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IMO, having messed around with the SE-02 sequencer, I’m going to say it’s not all that. Kind of wonky. Play with one. You’ll see what I’m talking about.

P-locks aren’t confined to 1 step. You have to manual adjust the step afterwards to get that 1 step effect like on the Elektrons.

But I haven’t spent a lot of time with the sequencer either…

I’m excited for a Boutique SH101. I like the sound and the Boutique footprint is ideal for my situation of limited space.

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I know what you’re describing; I’m used to that way of inputting cv as well. In certain situations it’s nice. Like if you want to open the filter a bit right after the pattern starts, and have it stay at that value for the rest of the pattern; it only takes one parameter change where you want it to occur as opposed to also having to adjust the value for every step following the first parameter change.

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A post was split to a new topic: Roland Boutique TR-08 (808)

Just get Malekko or Studio Electronics to do the leg work, win-win. :wink:

https://www.roland.com/global/products/sh-01a/

Roland seems to be under the impression tha boutique means tiny remakes. It’s too late to let them in on what a boutique instrument really means.

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Haha, yeah well English is their second language

i like the mini sh… there is always a need for that kind of sound, simple but good sounding with no effort… specially for live performances… so much stuff to choose from now, we’re spoiled a bit.

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Yes that’s nice but how do they justify what they are charging for these units? It’s not that they reproduced anything, they are modeled after the originals. The guts of these units are dirt cheap compared to how the original units were wired up, so there is one factor saying they are really digital but made so they behave like their analog grandfathers? Why not just make the new rehashes new, maybe modeled form factor and have their own chracter.

My only complaint is marketing these things like they are revolutionary when they really haven’t done anything that nobody else hasn’t done.

Even the analog clones have gotten better than the original clones. And their prices are very close to these with a great deal of care and attention put into them. No dis on the acb team for getting them right but this is a new version of something that was done 35+ years ago. Get back on track with everyone else in 2017.

Simple motion secquencing, comparable ram quantities, Keybeds that are worth using. Korg has moved forward all while bringing back their legacy products.

I know it’s all hit or miss but was the 909 Day release forgotten? A turntable, a two channel mixer in a tr-909 paint scene and let’s not forget the accordions and electric flute. That was a major disappointment to everyone, especially when hoping for the successor to their sp line to be announced (which they repeatedly have missed since then).

I love that there is a rehash of the tb303 by Roland but subsequently there are better 303ish machines. Avalon Bassline for one.

So, in the end, opinions will vary on these boutiques. But someone should get Roland in with the times. They have made some very great synths in the past and I’m sure can do it again. The market is there just not being capitalized on with new ideas. R&D out to lunch?

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I hate the whole ACB thing. yawnsville

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